Quick Answer
The answer is reducing the number of columns in the query and increasing data source indexing. These two actions directly improve DirectQuery model performance in Power BI by minimizing the amount of data transferred over the network and speeding up how quickly the source database can return results. When you reduce columns, you send leaner SQL queries to the backend, which cuts down on processing time and memory usage, while proper indexing allows the database engine to locate rows faster without scanning entire tables. On the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst PL-300 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how DirectQuery relies on the source system’s efficiency rather than Power BI’s in-memory engine. A common trap is assuming bidirectional filtering or complex calculated columns help performance, but they actually degrade it by forcing more cross-table scans and on-the-fly calculations. Remember the mnemonic “C.I.” for Columns and Indexes—the two levers that keep your DirectQuery model fast without switching to Import mode.
This PL-300 practice question tests your understanding of model the data. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which TWO actions can improve performance of a Power BI DirectQuery model?
Switch the model to Import mode
Why wrong: Import mode is not DirectQuery.
Enable bidirectional cross-filtering on all relationships
Why wrong: Bidirectional can degrade performance.
Ensure proper indexing in the source database
Indexing speeds up query execution.
Use calculated columns with complex logic
Why wrong: Calculated columns can slow queries.
Reduce the number of columns in the query
Fewer columns reduce data transfer.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Ensure proper indexing in the source database
Options A and D are correct. Reducing columns and increasing data source indexing improve query performance. Option B is wrong because bidirectional filtering often decreases performance. Option C is wrong because complex calculated columns slow queries. Option E is wrong because Import mode is not DirectQuery.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Switch the model to Import mode
Why it's wrong here
Import mode is not DirectQuery.
Enable bidirectional cross-filtering on all relationships
Why it's wrong here
Bidirectional can degrade performance.
Ensure proper indexing in the source database
Why this is correct
Indexing speeds up query execution.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Use calculated columns with complex logic
Why it's wrong here
Calculated columns can slow queries.
Reduce the number of columns in the query
Why this is correct
Fewer columns reduce data transfer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Identify which PL-300 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Model the data — This question tests Model the data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Ensure proper indexing in the source database — Options A and D are correct. Reducing columns and increasing data source indexing improve query performance. Option B is wrong because bidirectional filtering often decreases performance. Option C is wrong because complex calculated columns slow queries. Option E is wrong because Import mode is not DirectQuery.
Identify which PL-300 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which TWO actions should you take to improve the performance of a DirectQuery model in Power BI? (Select two.)
mediumWhy A: Options A and D are correct. Reducing the number of columns queried and applying filters early minimize data transfer. Option B is wrong because calculated columns in DirectQuery are pushed to the source and can degrade performance. Option C is wrong because increasing row-level security complexity adds overhead. Option E is wrong because aggregations are not supported in DirectQuery mode.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This PL-300 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PL-300 exam.
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